The New Skepticism

by Paul Kurtz

Kurtz argues that there are objective standards for judging truth claims in science, ethics, and philosophy. Of special interest is the application of the new skepticism to paranormal claims such as reincarnation and faith healing, and to religious beliefs, ethics and politics.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Skepticism

371 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1992

About the author

Dr. Paul W. Kurtz was a prominent American skeptic and secular humanist. Before his retirement, he was Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the State University of New York at Buffalo, having previously also taught at Vassar, Trinity, and Union colleges, and the New School for Social Research.

Reviews

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book informative and useful as a guide to skeptical thinking and inquiry in a broad range of fields, from the paranormal, epistemology, to conventional science, religion, ethics and politics.

While Kurtz sometimes uses terminology difficult for the average lay reader, he does explain it, and the lack of apparent dogmatism in his writing style makes this book a good read even for skeptical noobs like me.

[Manuel A. Crespo-Rodríguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from a friend. Wow, what an excellent text. I recommend it to people that are new in skepticism. One of the things that intrigued me was the different kinds of skepticism that existed throught history. This new skepticism is the best tool for inquiry, for its critique on other forms of knowledge is blunt and accountable: other forms of knowing lack the methodological inquiry described in this book.

[Matthewaqq · Rating 4 out of 5]

Human culture has preferred the message of Jesus to that of Socrates.